Tammany Hall

Albany Educations site:about Tammany Hall
When George Plunkett dies in 1924 he was eulogized this way;" He understood that in politics honesty doesn't matter, efficiency doesn't matter, progressive vision doesn't matter. What does matter is the chance for a better job, a better price of wheat, better business conditions. Plunkett's legacy is to that practicality."

Is it possible for a bunch of crooks and admitted thieves to be beneficial to society?

What brought down Tammany Hall?

The (yellow) press brought down Tammany Hall. So yes it is possible for scum to benefit society.